Cincinnati, OH, WPH Press, 6/12/23
Bob Bardeau and the Cincinnati handball community played host to the Cincinnati 3-Wall Pro Invitational at Veterans Park, featuring Race 4 Eight pros Killian Carroll, Leo Canales, Jr., Sam Esser, Bill Mehilos, and Abraham Montijo competing in the Queen City.
Current R48 Player’s Champion Killian Carroll defeated R48 #9 Esser in the upper bracket semifinals to meet current R48 #3 Leo Canales, Jr. in the final. Canales defeated Tucson’s FLF Executive Director Abraham Montijo in the bottom bracket semifinals.
In a rematch of the 2023 R48 Player’s Championship final from five weeks ago, the pair thrilled the enthusiastic outdoor handball fans with captivating handball in the final.
“The first game was close,” stated Canales. “I was leading 14-12, but Killian aced me twice to tie it and won with a power ceiling to win, 15-14. The second game he was pretty much in control, hitting great serves and fly shots.”
Final: Carroll def Canales 15-14, 15-6
“We had a great 3-Wall event this past weekend,” exclaimed Cincinnati Pro 3-Wall Invitational director Bob Bardeau. “On Friday the pros were on hand to play handball and give some outstanding teaching. Saturday saw some great handball as the pro division included Killian Carroll, Leo Canales, Sam Esser, Abe Montijo and Bill Mehilos. The handball fans that came out were treated to great handball and great interaction with the pros. Many thanks to the many that helped make this happen with their help and kind contributions. It is an absolute pleasure to have the pros be part of the tournament.”
Pictures courtesy of Bob Bardeau
The 2023 WPH Tucson Icebreaker Series kicks off with the Icebreaker on July 22 and the Ice Bowl on August 19.
More information and to enter the two 3-Wall summer events HERE
David Fink
WPH Senior Writer